What is local Scouting's response to the tragedy in Iowa caused by weather?

On June 11th, a tornado touched down at the Little Sioux Scout Camp in Iowa, killing 4 Scouts and injuring several others. In light of this event you may be asked questions concerning the emergency readiness of staff and campers at our camp properties.

We live by the motto, “Be Prepared.” Our camps are prepared, with emergency readiness plans for Woodruff Scout Reservation and Bert Adams Scout Reservation in place. Our staff is prepared, having been thoroughly trained to work with the young men attending our summer camp programs and our leaders are prepared, with safety materials and information provided, both as part of their leadership training, and as part of our summer camp registration materials.

Safety is a priority at both Bert Adams and Woodruff Scout Reservations. Our preparations include:

Emergency readiness plans for each camp, with summer camp staff trained on these plans. These plans have been enacted in the past and have been effective in notifying campers of potential dangers and moving campers to safety in a timely fashion.

Multiple hard shelters designed for inclement weather

On-site medical personnel in dedicated Camp First Aid facilities

Readiness Drills and Procedures are reviewed immediately after arriving at camp.

In addition, every adult leader bringing a group of Scouts to summer camp receives a copy of the emergency readiness plans as part of their registration materials.

Please feel free to share this information with Scouters and parents if they raise a concern.

If you receive a call or an email from news media, direct them to Don McChesney immediately. They can reach Don on his cell phone at 404-245-1050

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the Scouts who lost their lives in Iowa this week. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.

Yours in Scouting,

Don McChesney

Scout Executive